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The end of April is fast approaching, with the deadline for the submission of workplace skills plans (WSPs) and annual training reports (ATRs) for most of the sector education and training authorities
(Setas) looming.

Many companies see these reports as an administrative task and Skills Development Facilitators (SDF) are generally not expected to have any specific qualifications.

However, in order to be fully compliant as well as up to date with the latest Seta requirements and skills training opportunities available it is important to appoint a qualified SDF. While obtaining the mandatory grant rebates is of value, further funding available includes discretionary grants, which can encompass
apprenticeships, internships, learnerships, adult education and training, skills programmes and bursaries. Funding for special projects may include rural development, new venture creation, or skills development projects aimed at designated groups (women, youth, people living with disabilities) Providing learnerships and employing apprentices also reward employers through various
tax incentive programmes.

In addition, if WSPs and ATRs are not submitted and approved by the relevant Seta, valuable points on the B-BBEE scorecard cannot be claimed.

Given these implications, ensuring that the person appointed is suitably qualified is essential. One method of ensuring proficiency is to check if the SDF appointed has significant relevant experience or completed the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) prescribed SDF unit standards. In addition, many SDFs are members of the Association for Skills Development South Africa (ASDSA). This organisation was established in 2001 as the professional body for skills development practitioners.
The ASDSA has also designed and registered the first set of professional designations in the field of skills development.

Registration and membership with the ASDSA is open to all people who work in the skills development and related fields.